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Kinesiology

Mission

The Kinesiology program’s mission is to prepare undergraduate students for diverse employment opportunities within the fitness industry. The program’s faculty strives to create an active learning environment that encourages students to be engaged, intuitive, respected fitness professionals. The program’s teaching philosophy incorporates theory, practice, and technology with an emphasis on participation in professional development activities. These experiences will distinguish our students from more traditionally educated job seekers and improve their opportunities for leadership roles. Students will graduate with the understanding of the importance of demonstrating an active lifestyle.


Kinesiology Major, B.A./B.S.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology prepares students for entry-level positions in the following areas: fitness clubs, YMCAs, recreation centers, corporate fitness and wellness centers, health departments, senior centers, and hospital fitness and wellness centers. Examples of kinesiology positions include, but are not limited to personal trainers, group exercise instructors, community wellness program managers, worksite fitness or wellness center managers, health coaches, and private or commercial fitness club general managers or consultants. It is also designed to prepare students to test for the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Personal Trainer and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America’s Primary Group Exercise Instructor Certification. Specialty areas within kinesiology major include: group exercise instructor, nutrition, personal training, fitness and recreational management, health and safety education, and senior fitness. The curriculum is based on the guidelines and standards developed by the American College of Sports Medicine. It is scientific based but incorporates practical experiences in fitness and physical activity assessment, group exercise instruction, exercise prescription and programming, nutrition, human behavior, safety procedures, and program administration.

Four Year Plan | Degree Check Sheet


Kinesiology (65-67 hours)
Required Courses (52-54 hours)

KIN 188 - Introduction to Kinesiology and Sport Credits: 2

Orientation to career opportunities in physical education, exercise science and sport-related fields. Examination of sociological, historical, and philosophical foundations, current issues and trends. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, Su, F.

KIN 281 - Personal Health Science Credits: 3

Examination of attitudes, research facts, and misconceptions pertaining to personal health needs and practices. Topics include but are not limited to nutrition, family living, sexuality, drug use and abuse, disease prevention, safety, first aid, and public health resources. NC1 Meets The University Core Curriculum B3: Health/Fitness category. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, Su, F

KIN 282 - CPR and Sports Injury Prevention Credits: 2

Course includes sports injury prevention, first aid and CPR training. Skill training provided for certification in First Aid, Adult, Infant, and Child CPR/AED. This course is part of the Core Transfer Library (CTL). Indiana Statewide Common Course #: IHP 1401.Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, Su, F.

KIN 283 - Field Experience in Sport and Exercise Credits: 1

Provides students with practical experiences in sport and exercise related fields. Students have the opportunity to observe professionals at work and learn about the basic operations of a facility and about programs and services offered. Prerequisite(s): Must be a declared exercise science, kinesiology, sport management, or health professions major. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, F.

KIN 291 - Motor Behavior Credits: 2

A study of the motor development of children through adolescence, their motor learning capabilities, and the factors which influence skill acquisition, retention, and transfer. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, Su.

EXSC 383 - Kinesiology Credits: 3

The study of mechanics of human body movements primarily as it relates to the interrelationships of bones, joints, and muscles. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and BIOL 122 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, Su, F.

EXSC 391 - Biomechanics Credits: 3

An analysis of movement tasks and their relationship to each other. To apply the kinematic (velocity and acceleration) and kinetic (force) concepts for the mechanical analysis of human movement. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and BIOL 122 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, F.

KIN 393 - Practicum in Kinesiology Credits: 2

Provides students with practical experience in kinesiology-related fields. Students have the opportunity to observe professionals on campus at the Recreational, Fitness, and Wellness Center, learn about personal training and group exercise programs, and basic operations of a facility. Prerequisite(s): KIN 283 and Junior Standing

EXSC 394 - Measurement and Evaluation Credits: 3

This course describes the development and implementation of physical and cognitive tests in physical education and exercise science. Included in this course are techniques for data analysis and student assessment through the use of current, basic testing, and statistical procedures. Prerequisite(s): MATH 111 or MATH 112 , CIS 151 and Junior Status Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, F

EXSC 397 - Physiology of Exercise Credits: 4

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations to physical activity and exercise training, as well as the effects of various factors and conditions on physical performance. Physiological principles are introduced pertaining to appropriate training programs for maximizing physical performance and lifetime physical fitness and wellness. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and BIOL 122 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, F, Su.

EXSC 487 - Principles and Applications of Fitness Training Credits: 3

Students will focus on developing information geared toward fitness training methods in designing safe, effective, and goal-specific protocols for building skill-related fitness training programs for the general population and those who are athletes. Proper exercise techniques, instructional approaches, common performance errors, and client interaction will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and BIOL 122 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp.

SPTM 491 - Managing Organizations for Sport and Physical Activity Credits: 3

Studies the four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating within sport and physical activity organizations. The four functions of management are applied in developing a potential organization. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing. NO1 Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F, Sp, Su.

KIN 492 - Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Credits: 3

Enables students to integrate information from their educational experiences to critically examine and analyze contemporary issues in sport and exercise from an interdisciplinary perspective. Current issues, trends, and challenges are presented with the intent of provoking thorough and stimulating debate so students may identify their role in the resolution of issues. Meets The University Core Curriculum D1: Synthesis category. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F, Sp, Su.

KIN 499 - Practicum Credits: 3-5

Practical experience in an area of professional preparation. Prerequisite(s): Must have completed required courses in major. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F, Sp, Su.

Select four or five (4-5) 100-level KIN activity courses (excluding KIN 186 ) Credits: 4-5 more

5 (NOTE: if selecting the Health and Safety Education specialty area, only four activity courses are required)

BIOL 121 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4

An introduction to biological and chemical principles as they apply to the human body. Lectures and laboratory work will cover cellular anatomy and physiology, tissues, and the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine. Meets The University Core Curriculum C3: Science category. Prerequisite(s): college chemistry strongly recommended or concurrent. Lecture-Lab (ex: 3-1 means 3 hrs lecture and 1 hr lab): (3-3) Meets IN Statewide Core. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F, Sp, Su.

BIOL 122 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4

A continuation of BIOL 121 consisting of lectures and laboratory work concerning the following systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, excretory, and reproductive. Meets The University Core Curriculum C3: Science category. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 . Lecture-Lab (ex: 3-1 means 3 hrs lecture and 1 hr lab): (3-3) Meets IN Statewide Core. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F, Sp, Su.

CIS 151 - Computer Applications in Business Credits: 3

Survey of business computer applications emphasizing microcomputers and applications software packages to business. Included are applications with word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programs, file and database management systems, and other software packages used in business. This course is part of the Core Transfer Library (CTL). Indiana Statewide Common Course #: IPS 1740.Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F, Sp, Su.

Specialty Areas (12-13 hours)

Choose one area:

Group Exercise Instructor

KIN 385 - Methods of Group Exercise Instruction Credits: 3

Students will learn to teach exercise routines for a group setting. The course will serve to assist students in preparing for group exercise certification. Prerequisite(s): KIN 283 and Sophomore Standing Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, F.

EXSC 488: Program Design for Special Populations Credits: 3

The student will learn to modify exercise for individual and groups based on age, medical conditions, and special needs. The areas covered will include but are not limited to coronary heart disease, diabetes, asthmas, obesity, arthritis, pregnancy, and physically and mentally challenged. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and BIOL 122 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp.

KIN 181 - Aerobics Credits: 1

KIN 143 - Aquatic Exercise Credits: 1

KIN 185 - Step Aerobics Credits: 1

KIN 199 - Special Activities Credits: 3

Other FITNESS RELATED course.

Approved topics include:

  • KIN 199 – Yoga Credits: 1
  • KIN 199 – Spinning Credits: 1
  • KIN 199 – Cardio Kickboxing Credits: 1

Nutrition

NUTR 376 - Principles and Applications in Nutrition Credits: 3

Principles and applications in nutrition emphasizes the relationships among the nutrients and how homeostasis relationships are maintained in the healthy person. Students will learn more about themselves and their health in an effort to use this knowledge to improve their health. This knowledge of nutrition will allow students to personalize information to fit their lifestyle. Special attention to nutrition for the developing human and lectures focusing on nutrition counseling will address the needs of dental hygiene students and other health professionals seeking concepts in applied nutrition. Meets The University Core Curriculum B3: Health/Fitness category. Prerequisite(s): MATH 108 and CHEM 107 recommended. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F, Sp, Su.

NUTR 378 - Nutrition for Fitness and Sports Credits: 3

An overview of the relationship of basic nutrition and energy systems to physical activity and body composition. This course examines popular myths and misconceptions associated with nutrition and performance. Incorporates application of introductory biochemistry. Prerequisite(s): MATH 108 recommended. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F, Sp.

NUTR 396 - Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle Credits: 3

This course focuses on understanding the normal nutritional requirements and needs of special populations throughout the lifecycle. Growth and development theories will be discussed and nutrition concerns will be examined for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the growing infant, child and adolescent. Students will investigate nutrition-related concerns during the lifecycle and offer appropriate suggestions for management of these concerns. Recommendations for preventing disease and promoting healthy aging will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): NUTR 376 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F.

NUTR 415 - Dietary Supplements and Herb Use in Nutrition Credits: 3

This course focuses on understanding the role of supplements from a nutrition standpoint in maintaining and promoting health. Common supplements used such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances will be discussed. Emphases are placed on understanding the history of their use, their proposed mechanisms of action, and safety concerns using the process of a critical review of the literature. Students will analyze the role of these supplements when making nutritional recommendations to individuals and groups. Prerequisite(s): NUTR 376 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F.

Personal Training

KIN 385 - Methods of Group Exercise Instruction Credits: 3

Students will learn to teach exercise routines for a group setting. The course will serve to assist students in preparing for group exercise certification. Prerequisite(s): KIN 283 and Sophomore Standing Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, F.

EXSC 484 - Exercise Testing and Prescription Credits: 3

A study and application of the principles, techniques, and tools used to assess levels of wellness, fitness, prescribe lifestyle modifications, and evaluate individual progress toward goals. Prerequisite(s): EXSC 397 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, F.

KIN 485 - Methods of Personal Training Credits: 3

This course introduces students to methods of personal training in helping students learn how to work with clients during the initial consultation process, the design of appropriate cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training programs, and proper orientation techniques. Prerequisite(s): EXSC 397 Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F.

EXSC 488 - Program Design for Special Populations Credits: 3

The student will learn to modify exercise for individual and groups based on age, medical conditions, and special needs. The areas covered will include but are not limited to coronary heart disease, diabetes, asthmas, obesity, arthritis, pregnancy, and physically and mentally challenged. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and BIOL 122 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp.

Fitness & Recreational Management

SPTM 223 - Principles of Recreation Credits: 3

As an introductory course in recreation services, emphasis is placed on the history, concepts, principles, and philosophical rationale of the recreation movement. Types of recreation sponsorship are analyzed, and a detailed investigation is made into the function of governmental levels in recreation. Future implications for recreation as a profession are analyzed in light of current trends. Course topics include philosophy, history, theory, and survey of public and private recreation service organizations. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F.

SPTM 332 - Sport Facility Management Credits: 3

Introduces students to skills needed to manage a sport facility including operations, maintenance, finance/budgeting, purchasing, human resources, security, design/ development, and legal issue within diverse settings. Practical application is provided through exercises that are completed by visiting sport facilities in the community during the semester. Prerequisite(s): Must have completed 48 or more credit hours. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): F, Sp.

SPTM 334 - Sport Event Management Credits: 3

Introduces planning, funding, operating, and evaluating events within the sport industry. Provides practical application through the involvement of planning and managing events during the semester. Prerequisite(s): Must have completed 48 or more credit hours. Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp, F.

SPTM 337 - Recreational Sports Administration Credits: 3

As a specialized course in recreational sport service delivery and management, an overview of programmatic elements and techniques in recreational sports is provided. Topics include informal, intramural, club, extramural, and instructional sports programming; values of recreational sports; and terminology and career opportunities in various recreational sport settings. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp.

Health & Safety Education

KIN 284 - Stress Management Credits: 2

A study of the elements which manifest stress, its impact, and strategies to minimize its effect on daily life.

KIN 286 - Safety Education Credits: 2

This course is designed to examine the hazards present in all aspects of modern life that may produce property damage, injury, and/or illness. The activities of transportation, recreation, education, and home living are assessed for safety. Intervention strategies are presented. NO1 Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Su.

PET 402 - Controversial Issues in Health Education Credits: 3

This course is designed to investigate current controversial topics in health education, which includes sexuality, obesity, death and dying, and other issues in health education. Unit plans for teaching will be developed. Students may be required to fulfill field experience. Prerequisite(s): PET 388 Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp.

PET 442 - Community Health Credits: 3

A comprehensive understanding of community health is conducted. The problems of community health are investigated. Prevention and intervention programs are examined. Student may be required to fulfill field experience. Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp.

PET 494 - Program Planning and Evaluation in Health Education Credits: 3

This course will introduce students to terminology, theories, models, and tools for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs in health education and health promotion. Students will be introduced to a systematic approach to the planning and evaluation of health education programs, a diagnosis of the social, psychological, educational, and administrative aspects of the health education program, and program monitoring, rigorous methods of impact assessment, and the measurement of efficiency. NC1 Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp.

Senior Fitness

GERO 215 - Health Care Aspects of Gerontology Credits: 3

This course focuses on aging and health. Major health problems are identified and treatment strategies are studied. The dimensions of aging are explored. Healthcare issues pertinent to the older adult are discussed.

GERO 321 - Sociological Aspects of Aging Credits: 3

PSY 371 - Adulthood and Aging Credits: 3

This course involves an in-depth study of adulthood and aging by examining the major theories, research, and issues of psychological development. Topics covered will include personality, cognitive functioning, interpersonal relationships, mental and physical health, and sociocultural context. Prerequisite(s): PSY 201 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp.

EXSC 488 - Program Design for Special Populations Credits: 3

The student will learn to modify exercise for individual and groups based on age, medical conditions, and special needs. The areas covered will include but are not limited to coronary heart disease, diabetes, asthmas, obesity, arthritis, pregnancy, and physically and mentally challenged. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and BIOL 122 . Term(s) Offered (F=Fall, Sp=Spring, Su=Summer): Sp.

Practicum Information



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